Designing Tomorrow: A Look into the Life of an Engineer
Susie McCartt | Hardware Engineer | Texas, United States
Originally Published: December 11, 2024
My name is Susie McCartt, and I graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Engineering. As an Interdisciplinary Engineering major, I was able to choose classes from different engineering disciplines to “create my own major” so I took classes in mechanical engineering, materials science and manufacturing!
In my role at Dell Technologies, I am currently a thermal engineer working as a thermal system architect on Dell’s Thin Client and All-In-One desktops. I am also in the Client Solutions Group (CSG) engineering rotation program. The CSG engineering rotation program is three years, one year in each rotation. The rotations can either be in three different areas of hardware engineering (which includes roles in mechanical, thermal and/or electrical engineering) or three different areas of software engineering.
I started the thermal architecture role in July 2024, but my first role in the program was a mechanical engineer working as a mechanical system architect on our commercial, high-performance laptops. System architects start the design and integration process for our next generation computers and desktops, ensuring the hardware and software work seamlessly together while selecting the best components to optimize for performance, power efficiency, reliability and overall user experience.
Specifically, thermal system architects design cooling solutions to dissipate heat from components like the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). We also optimize component placement for effective cooling and collaborate with the mechanical system architects to ensure the chassis has adequate ventilation and airflow for optimal cooling. Often these solutions balance various trade-offs like performance vs. cost or power vs. thermal limits, so we are continually exploring different options to achieve the best results for each platform. System architecture is part of Dell's Chief Technology Office (CTO) group, so we also assist in integrating new innovations and technology into the platforms.
What does a day in your life look like as an Engineer?
Thermal engineers/system architects work across multiple platforms and projects. Typically, we have one core team meeting and at least two engineering sync meetings a week for each project. In core team meetings, we discuss all aspects of the product including marketing, industrial design, engineering, reliability, quality, serviceability, etc. to make sure all teams are aligned on the direction of the product. In one of the engineering sync meetings, the thermal, mechanical, electrical and power engineers discuss how the hardware is implemented within the system in a way that aligns with the goals and expectations of each member of the core team. The other engineering sync is with the thermal engineers where we communicate in detail about the design and implementation of the colling solutions in a system.
On a more day-to-day basis, because we work a lot with team members in Taiwan and other parts of the world, I typically start my day by checking my email to see if there are any updates about the project(s) that I am working on that may have happened over night. Then, I work on projects and tasks that are assigned to me by my mentor, who is the lead thermal architect for the Thin Client and All-In-One desktops. This usually consists of validating designs with thermal simulations and/or testing systems in the lab.
Outside of the typical thermal architecture tasks and project meetings, I have 1:1s to learn from engineers who are working on completely different projects and I work on developing new ideas in the hopes that they may become a patent. I also take training courses in Creo Parametric, Ansys Mechanical and FloTHERM so that I continue to learn these skills outside of how I use them for work as a system architect. Lastly, I am involved with the engineering rotation program committee.
What skills, mindsets, or talents help someone be successful in this role?
A strong engineering foundation will set you up for success, but in my opinion, this has just as much to do with technical content as it does your ability to problem solve. Dell does a great job of teaching you what you need to know on the job, so I think what sets people apart is their ability to collaborate with various stakeholders on difficult problems. Engineers are hardly ever working on projects by themselves, so it is important to have good communication and collaboration skills. Don’t be afraid of asking questions or thinking outside the box; there is no such thing as a bad idea! When it comes to engineering software, learning programs like Creo Parametric, Ansys Mechanical and FloTHERM would be highly beneficial, as they are essential tools for 3D modeling, finite element analysis (FEA) and thermal analysis.
Regardless of where you are in your career, you are valued for your diverse ideas and perspectives. The culture at Dell emphasizes mentorship, so there are always opportunities to learn from individuals who are experts in their field and who are also genuinely invested in your career growth.
Susie M.
Hardware Engineer
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a veterinarian but I decided against that when I realized that being a vet wasn’t about playing with people’s pets all day and I would get too sad thinking about the animals being sick or in pain. My mom says she always knew I was going to be an engineer because I loved playing with blocks and building things as a kid! She was the one who encouraged me to pursue engineering as an elective in high school, so here we are!
What opportunities are there for career growth and development in this area at Dell?
There is so much to learn as a system architect! All of the lead engineers are extremely experienced mentors with a wealth of knowledge, some being at Dell for 15-20+ years, and they are all invested in the learning and development of recent graduate talent.
My goal is to one day be a lead system architect on a program. Every project presents unique engineering challenges, allowing continuous learning and the chance to innovate. With each new project, you’re adding valuable tools to your "mental toolbox," building a wealth of knowledge that you can draw from in future programs based on your past experiences. Not a day goes by that I don’t learn something new!
Also, being a part of the CSG engineering rotation program gives me the opportunity to work with various teams across Dell. This has broadened my skillset and will prepare me for the ever-changing world of technology. Having worked in both mechanical and thermal architecture roles, I’m gaining a unique, holistic understanding of system design which enables me to approach challenges from multiple perspectives. This experience will be invaluable as I progress into leadership roles!
Why did you choose to work for Dell?
I started at Dell as an intern, and I was blown away by how kind and supportive everyone is. Regardless of where you are in your career, you are valued for your diverse ideas and perspectives. The culture at Dell emphasizes mentorship, so there are always opportunities to learn from individuals who are experts in their field and who are also genuinely invested in your career growth. Dell also has a great community of recent graduates. It is so much fun to work with people who become great friends. We learn from each other and push each other to be the best! I have always wanted to work on products that people will use every single day, and this job allows me to do that. Even as a recent college graduate, I can contribute meaningfully to various projects and learn a vast number of skills. I could not have asked for a better start to my career!
Next, read about Cathal's experience as a software engineer.
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